A study on modal fabric treated with formic acid

Modal is a bio-based rather than natural made from the spun reconstituted cellulose polymer of beech trees. modal is a second generation regenerated cellulosic fiber and a variation of rayon. they are wear resistant and strong while maintaining a soft,silky feel. fabric made from modal drape well and do not pile like cotton. modal fabrics resist fading,shrinking and the buildup of hard water mineral deposits even after repeated washing. in this study,modal fabrics (woven and knitted) are selected and conventionally pretreated and subjected with 98% formic acid which is a used for the bio process of cellulose polymeric materials,in different concentrations. the formic acid treated modal fabrics were then undergone different testing such as; physical properties,absorbency,wicking,k/s value,fastness properties,water vapour permeability,air permeability,and sem analysis. these treatments on modal fabrics were correspondingly compared with those of cotton for its effectiveness.